I’ve said it before, but I will be forever indebted to this man – the fabulous Lee Scullion – for calming and coaxing my very nervy husband-to-be away from the porcelain and out into the light on the morning of my own wedding when Lee was playing second shooter and sent to look after the boys. I can’t think what Alan could have been nervous about (can you?)! Luckily, there isn’t much a Mars bar and Lucozade can’t fix and he made it to the church on time, stopping for some gorgeous shots along the way.

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Now, Lee’s back on the pages of the wedding blog in his official capacity as a Brides Up North Featured Supplier, as we learn more about the man behind the lens (and Lucozade). Over to Lee…

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How did you get into wedding photography?

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Although I began taking photographs from the age of 14/15 photography for me really started when I was at college, I would always organize, arrange, make & design small budget fashion shoots, fascinated with fashion and beauty. As soon as I got my diploma I fell into work with a portraiture company which then lead me to work for a bigger photographic UK house resulting in my expedition right now. A little round the world trip working with some fascinating people and events and I am now in my seventh year as a professional photographer.

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.Why wedding photography specifically?

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I love men and woman who are very aware of who they are, its great to photograph brides with that quality. However, you will find there are some folk who feel uneasy about it all and it is very challenging and rewarding to photograph someone who is very shy at first and become at ease with you and their surroundings. You bring that out in them!

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. What is your favourite thing about being a wedding photographer?

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People for sure, but I have to say the whole design of a wedding: the dress, the shoes, the jewellery. I am always very interested in the styling of each wedding. I love to advise or give ideas of my own, after all we see more wedding shoes than anyone else! Sometimes you have to go for style over comfort… but you really don’t have to. If your dress hits the floor and you don’t want expensive weddings shoes or they hurt too much… go out and by some Vivienne Westwood jelly heels for example, comfortable but very quirky.

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. How do you get couples to relax on the day?

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I really don’t think I’ve thought about that until right now. I guess being very relaxed myself and always fun and happy helps, being silly and a little crazy helps too.

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.Any advice to any brides who don’t like to have their picture taken?

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The best advice I could give a nervous or self aware bride would be to try it out first! That’s why us photography folks push pre-wedding shoots. Enjoy different styles together with the photographer, make sure you see your pictures together, listen to advice from your partner and don’t pick apart everything about yourself. Your wedding is all about enjoyment – if you ate relaxed and enjoying yourself with others, the photographs will reflect that.

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.What sort of makeup should a bride wear to look great in her pictures?

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I would always stay very natural with your skin tones, if you don’t wear make up all the time, stay clear of wild bold colours. Then again, I work with some excellent make up artists from Bobbie Brown to Illamasqua so I would leave that question up to the pros.

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.Anything to avoid which might look bad in the wedding pictures?

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As long as its you doing you it will work, personally I would stay clear of props unless you are having a related theme.

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.Which celebrity wedding would you most like to photograph and why?

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I would adore the chance to work with Lara Stone or Natasha Poly. Pharell Williams would be a big box ticked too!

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.Any really memorable weddings that you have captured?

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Every single one of them, young and old, they are all stylish and beautiful. I never forget my weddings. .

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Are you married?

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I am not married! A little rule I have now is every time someone asks me that question, it gets delayed a month…

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.What sets you apart from other wedding photographers?

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I am great believer in tailoring your technique to each wedding. Every wedding is different so stay stylish but don’t repeat what you do all the time. I like to think I always stay fresh. I also travel internationally and work with some fantastic people overseas, so do not be afraid to inquire if you are getting married in Ibiza, Croatia or Mars.

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.What can a couple who book you expect on the day?

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Me and no one else.

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I like to consider myself a professional, so I am loud, fun and fast but also quiet, slow and steady when needed. Timing is essential on your wedding day, your photographer has to co-ordinate it at a professional level.

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.What is included in your "package"?

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Again similar to what sets me apart, tailoring to each couple’s needs is key. I truly believe you have to accommodate what your soon to be close friends really want out of their wedding photographs.

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.Can you give us an idea on price?

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My time coverage begins at £799 upwards, I work only with the best products out there.

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.How can Brides Up North get in touch with you/ see more examples of your work?

Ooh isn’t it looking Christmassy on the wedding blog this evening!? We are up to week nine on Strictly, the final six on The X Factor, and I am starting to panic that I haven’t even given a thought to Christmas shopping yet.

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One person who isn’t panicking though is Brides Up North Featured Supplier, North East Wedding Photographer Matt Ethan. Instead, he is planning something rather special for you Brides Up North next weekend…

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Matt says: It’s the most wonderful time of the year and Matt Ethan Photography are hosting their festive drinks reception on Saturday 3rd December for brides in the North East, and we’d love to invite you.

. You’ll be treated to a relaxing free facial with the luxurious "Temple Spa" products and a free manicure courtesy of www.gentlehands.co.uk, not to mention mulled wine, home-made mince pies, advice from North East brides who married this year and a chance to chat and exchange ideas with other brides-to-be (every bride needs to meet new friends who would like nothing better than to talk weddings all night!) and all within the festive hospitality of Matt and SJ Ethan’s beautiful home. Grooms are of course welcome too!

. Also, very excitingly Matt Ethan Photography will be giving details of how to win your entire wedding photography package for FREE! It is a competition with a difference though: YOU decide if you win! Even if you don’t win, you will be rewarded just for taking part.

. We would really love to have you there. The evening starts at 7pm at 155, Bosworth Gardens, Heaton, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE6 5UP.

. No need to bring anything other than yourself and some festive cheer and we’ll have a great evening!

Mandy Charlton tells us more: Katie booked me in January 2009 for her May 2011 wedding, I think that’s the longest booking I’ve ever had!

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Over the next two and a half years I got to know Rob and Katie really well, I photographed them twice and I also found out that Katie and I had common interests so by the time the wedding arrived I felt like I was photographing friends.

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. I was lucky enough to have Jamie of Emerson Photography as my second shooter and that alone meant we could use advanced techniques which would give Rob and Katie absolutely amazing photographs.

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. Katie and Rob got married at their local church in a small beautiful ceremony, the only thing which didn’t go to plan was the weather, two and a half years of planning and we still ended up with a windy rainy day.

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. After the wedding a glamorous reception took place at Beamish Hall, we were lucky enough to get lots of time alone with Rob and Katie and it really shows in the photos, that extra time you put aside to work with your photographer is going to mean more time spent on those most important of personal portraits which you’ll cherish forever.

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I think it’s safe to say that Rob and Katie’s wedding was one of my absolute favourite weddings of my whole career!

I was school friends with this feisty and fabulous bride, and have adored blogging her wedding photographs from the super cool Fyzal Photography. She looks amazing!

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Vanessa (who by the way now runs her own bridal hair and make up service with her business partner Dionne – check them out, they are brilliant) and her new husband Brian chose an old school Hollywood style for their big day, channelling Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and the Rat Pack.

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Every detail, from the vintage look bridesmaids’ gowns through to the blues brothers band and casino evening sparkled with star quality.

Following their stunning engagement shoot on Brides Up North yesterday afternoon, I couldn’t wait to share Chris and Dale’s beautiful Real Wedding shots with you this morning. This blogger is all about instant gratification this week it seems, what with all my giveaway winner announcements as well!